Just over a thousand of the 2,451 were patients’ loved ones, as Weldmar offers counselling, therapies and other types of support. For children, Weldmar’s support often extends over years.

The majority of patients are supported in their own homes by Weldmar’s Community Nurses – specialists in complex palliative cases. Nurse Noreen Reid said: “I give patients choice in what they want to do with the time they have left. It’s a lovely job – you can literally change someone’s life.”

Some patients receive art therapy, where they can tell their life stories, create things and explore their feelings through art and writing.

Much of Weldmar’s care is given in the community – as the charity runs weekly day services in the community hospitals in Bridport, Blandford and Sherborne, as well as in Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester and Trimar Hospice in Weymouth.

One day services patient, Linda Walsh, 69, from Preston, said: “The cancer is never far from your mind and when I’m here doing art it goes away.”

Another, Brenda Webster from Pimperne, said: “After three weeks or so I was driving home and suddenly felt uplifted. I thought, ‘Oh, it works then…’”

All this outstanding care costs £8million a year and, as the NHS funding is less than 25% of that figure, Weldmar relies on its fundraising, donations, and its 20 shops and six large outlet stores.